Garrett urges Victoria to get going with Gonski

By Fiona Parker and Kath Sullivan (ABC Central Victoria)

If it's good enough for New South Wales to sign up to the Federal Government's multi-billion-dollar Gonski school funding plan, will it be good enough for Victoria? Federal Education Minister Peter Garrett certainly thinks so.

Mr Garrett says the will offer the same deal it's offering the other states.

"I think it's time for the new Victorian Premier to show that he has the interest of students in Victorian schools at heart. And set aside any of the politics that surround this debate, and do what the NSW Premier was able to do yesterday. And that is commit to investments in schools which will see additional resources go to the schools regardless of the which part of the state the school is in."

When questioned if NSW was offered a better deal in order to sign up, Mr Garrett is adamant that all states are being offered the same deal.

"The deal that is being proposed and was accepted by NSW, the framework of that deal would be the same for other states including Victoria.

"There's no reason at all why Victoria shouldn't sign up." he said.

The Victorian Government was contacted, but declined to comment for this story.